Best Twitch Streaming Software

calendar1Last UpdatedMay 23, 2020

In order to produce a quality stream full of effects, transitions, and overlays, you need to use streaming software. Depending on your unique needs, you will want to find a software that is relatively simple to use and easy to maintain throughout your stream.

In this article, we will discuss 8 different programs and compare the pros and cons of each.

Streaming Software Review Process

While every streamer’s needs are different, we wanted to make sure that we had a proper ranking system for the broadcasting software we covered. Our goal was to find the programs that give a rounded set of features that the majority of streamers could easily use for their needs. For instance, most streamers don’t need 4K capabilities and would rather use software that is more affordable.

We looked into the following metrics when creating this list:

Ease of use – streamers are responsible for setting up their own software and creating transitions.

Quick set-up – how quickly can you set up the software in order to go live for the first time.

Troubleshooting – are there ongoing issues? How difficult is it to fix the program in the event that there is a crash?

Extra Features – what stream-related features can be integrated to bring your production to the next level?

Price – cost is a key factor for many streamers who are just starting out and sticking to a budget.

Cons of Streamlabs OBS

Parts are still in BETA

Windows Only (Mac is in BETA, no news for Linux yet)

Streamlabs OBS (also known as SLOBS) was heavily inspired OBS (mentioned below). It was created with the intention of re-creating OBS with an easier UI and seamless integration with other Streamlabs widgets and bots. Broadcasters who use SLOBS enjoy the event queue, library of overlays, audio filter, and the video editor, which are all easy to plug-in.

Streamlabs OBS is customizable and similar enough to OBS that OBs users can quickly make the switch. Those who are new to streaming typically find SLOBS easier to learn and navigate than its predecessor. It is easy to move your webcam-feed and other elements around quickly and easily.

While performance varies between streamers, many users state that SLOBS uses less CPU and memory than other broadcasting software.

Streamlabs Go Prime Features

Streamlabs OBS is free to use always, but there is an optional Prime upgrade. For a reasonable monthly fee, you will have access to many features that will easily up your channel quality. With access to 40+ premium apps (including Jingle Punks – a library of royalty-free music), a merch store, and hundreds of overlays, you can add features and update your overall look. You can also create a custom website for your channel through their store.

OBS [Open Broadcasting Software]

Pros of OBS

Free

Windows, Mac, and Linux

Highly customizable with plugins

Reliable (very few troubleshooting issues)

Low CPU usage

Screen recording capable

Cons of OBS

Learning curve – can be difficult for beginners

Limited on editing features

No support – community only

OBS (short for Open Broadcasting Software) is considered the industry standard for Twitch streamers. This community-build program is very customizable with plugins built by other streamers, gamers, and developers. With a little knowledge and skill, you can create seamless transitions that give your stream a professional quality.

There are a few inbuilt features and transitions in OBS, but many others can be added. You have the capability to set up hotkeys with every function to ensure your effects are seamless and timely.

As OBS is a community-produced project, there is no centralized support. However, with a whole community of enthusiasts, you can almost always find answers to your questions within an hour.

Twitch Studio

Pros of Twitch Studio

Integrated into Twitch

Easy to set up

Customizable

Free

Cons of Twitch Studio

Still in Beta

Limited options for alerts and overlays

The BETA for Twitch Studio was released in late 2019. As it is built into the streaming platform, you can stream without having to sync your software. Users have reported less latency than other software due to its platform integration.

You can create your own scenes and alerts from within Twitch studio, though some options are still very limited. As it gets closer to the official launch, we expect there to be improved options and more customization. Twitch Studio is a free program for Twitch users.

vMix

Pros of vMix

Professional production

NDI compatibility

Good customer support

Built-in templates

Integrated professional features

Cons of vMix

Price tag

System requirements

With vMix, you choose the options you want and only pay for those. The base package is free (with a watermark) and when options are added, your price will fluctuate between $60-$1,200. There is also a 60-day free trial on the package.

vMix has a lot of professional features including 4K encoding, 1920 x 1080, and 1000 inputs. If you are ready to take your stream to the next level, vMix will get you there.

Lightstream

Pros of Lightstream

free

browser/cloud-based

Low CPU usage

Customer support through chat

Easy set up

Simple UI

Cons of Lightstream

Issues with sound quality

Very basic features

Best at 720p streaming

Lightstream is a browser-based stream program, making it the perfect option for streamers who are always on the go and use their phone or different devices to stream. You won’t have to rebuild scenes every time you download the software and you don’t have to worry about your CPU.

Lightstream also allows you to broadcast with multiple people on the same stream, allowing you to easily do talk shows or play with other steamers.

XSplit

Pros of XSplit

Two software options for gamers

Professional quality broadcasting software

Free version (with watermark)

Has integrated VCam access

Enhanced audio features

Great customer support (24/7)

Many additional plug-ins for customization

Cons of XSplit

Costs money for the premium program

Windows only

Encoding knowledge needed

XSplit is the first step into pro-level production features. While they are a step up in quality, the UI is a bit different from OBS/SLOBS and it will take a little bit to readjust. XSplit offers two different versions of streaming software: Broadcaster and Gamecaster.

XSplit Broadcaster is highly customizable and comes with all the bells and whistles you need for production. There is a learning curve to get it going, but with excellent customer support, you can have all your questions answered while you work.

XSplit Gamecaster gives basic features that allow streamers to quickly set up a stream for their channel. There is minimal customization, but it’s very easy to understand.

You can use a limited version of XSplit with a watermark for free or upgrade to a monthly or yearly plan. You can often find free trial codes online or when purchasing select Logitech webcams.

XSplit VCam

The XSplit VCam is a feature that is included with XSplit. It allows you to remove or blur your background without needing a green screen. If you have good lighting and some space between you and the wall behind you, this can be a great feature to easily create quality in your production value. You also have the option to replace the background.

Wirecast

Pros of Wirecast

Professional functions and features

3D animated titles

Good support

GPU accelerated coding

Compatible with both Windows and Mac

Professional UI

Frequent updates with new features

Can be used on over 30 platforms

Cons of Wirecast

Expensive

High system requirements

Wirecast is a professional program that will give you access to tools not available on other software, such as 3D animated titles, instant replays, and video conferencing. You can also have up to 250 layers on a scene, meaning you can customize things as much as you wish without limits.

Made by Telestream, this software is continually being updated with new and improved features. Despite its advanced functions, the UI is very intuitive and easy to manage. One drawback is the price point for new streamers, especially since it doesn’t currently support 4K streaming.

Nvidia Shadowplay

Pros of Nvidia Shadowplay

Encodes in GPU

Minimal CPU usage

Included in GeForce Drivers

Cons of Nvidia Shadowplay

Better for recording, not streaming

No option to have a picture in picture

No streaming features

Must have Nvidia graphics card

While Nvidia Shadowplay technically has broadcasting software capabilities, it is better suited as a screen recording program. If you only want to stream your gameplay and nothing else, you can use this software. However, those who want overlays, alerts, webcam feed, and other features won’t be able to use them with Nvidia Shadowplay.

One great feature of this program is that there is a shortcode you can use to record the last several minutes of gameplay. This way, you won’t have to worry about losing important milestones that you can review later on.

You must have the Nvidia graphics card in order to use this software.

Conclusion

There may be a learning curve to setting up your streaming software, but as you pick it up, you’ll be able to find unique ways to create transitions and effects that will set your stream apart.

Share this on

Chris

Chris is a digital marketer with a strong background in influencer branding. He applies his knowledge of content and promotional strategies to design actionable advice for new and intermediate streamers.